Rocky River, Ohio
Brian Griebel was diagnosed with autism and other disabilities at the age of five. Now at 36, the Rocky River resident is a published author.
Brian Griebel shows off his new book, “The Mystery Twins,” now available on Amazon. Pamela GriebelPamela Griebel
Life was not always easy for Brian, according to his mother Pamela. He was the kid who was not invited to parties, Friday night football, or dances. The other students were nice to Brian, but he was not invited into their social circles, which broke her heart.
Moving into adulthood was also hard. Brian was growing into a man, but not able to do the things men do…driving, dating, going to college, getting a dream job.
“Thank you to Mrs. Underation and Mrs. Cellura whose patience and kindness helped him grow his talents at Normandy Elementary School, Westerly Elementary School, and Bay Middle School,” said Pamela on social media. “A special shout out to Mrs. Fitzmaurice who was tough, but made Brian a better reader and writer. She did not let him slack, but also just…got him.”
Brian’s family always encouraged him to follow his dreams and face his fears.
“Throughout his childhood and young adulthood he grew very close to his nana, my mother- in-law, Ruth Griebel,” said Pamela. “She loved him so much. She took him to plays, movies, and she bowled with him into her early 90’s. She encouraged him. She told him he would do great things, that he would be somebody.”
So what eventually happened? He started writing mystery stories. He has written over 100 of them.
After working on his punctuation, grammar and mechanics, he really wanted to get a book published.
“He found Debbie Hefke, and she has helped Brian realize his dream,” said Pamela. “He has paid for everything, saving money from his part-time job, and sending what he could to Debbie until it was enough.”
On June 5, his nana’s birthday, his first book, “The Mystery Twins,” was published. The book is a series of short stories centered around 10-year-old twins Mason and Mackenzie who go around their town solving mysteries while also navigating middle school, pre-adolescence, and learning important lessons such as trust, honesty, and responsibility.
The book is currently available on Amazon, go to a.co/d/igGB0hz.
Kudos to Bay Village resident Dave DiCicco for purchasing several copies of the book for his free Little Free Library, 30101 Wolf Road, for the community share.
BAY VILLAGE
Fire station update: Improvements are being planned for the fire station which was built in 1972 on land purchased from the Cleveland Metroparks.
The process began two years ago when an architect was hired to perform a feasibility study on the facility. From this work, an architect was engaged to plan the renovation and rebuilding of crew quarters on the north end of the building.
A Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) was then selected, who will bid the final plans and construct the project, according to information from the mayor’s office.
In 2024, the fire department had 1,872 calls for emergency assistance.
Shout-out: Kudos to the Kiwanis Club and everyone involved in the planning and volunteering annual Bay Days event last weekend. Especially Tony and Judy Dostal who were honored during a special ceremony for being the coordinators of Bay Days for the past 50 years.
ROCKY RIVER
Library trustee, concert: Donald Bierut was recently appointed by the Rocky River Board of Education to a seven-year term on the Rocky River Public Library Board of Trustees.
Bierut succeeds Melissa Stickney, who has volunteered her time since 2018.
Bierut has been a partner and vice president with Chagrin Valley Engineering since its inception in 1996. He is an active member of several professional engineering societies, and has also volunteered on the Ohio Department of Transportation Safe Routes to School program and remains an active board member of Ohio Steam Preservation, an organization he helped establish.
The library will host a concert, featuring Red Light Roxy, on the lawn, 1600 Hampton Road, from 5 to 7 p.m. July 30.
Bring a blanket or lawn chair. Food trucks onsite include Hatfield’s Goode Grub.
Summer nights: The city’s Red, River and Blue party takes place from 1 to 8 p.m. July 13 at City Hall Park, 21012 Hilliard Blvd. The event features a splash pool party, CLE Market vendors (2 to 7 p.m.), inflatable obstacle course (3 to 6 p.m.), airbrush tattoos (3 to 6 p.m.) and Touch-a-Truck for the kids.
A Car Show will also take place. Gates open at 3 p.m. and the show begins at 4 p.m. Entry is $10.
Revolution Pie will perform a concert at 7 p.m.
The next Summer Night event is Aug. 3
District administrator: Mentor High School Principal Jason Crowe is set to become the new executive director of human resources and operations for the Rocky River City Schools. He replaces Samuel Gifford who terminated his employment with the district effective July 31, 2025.
Shout-out: Congratulations to Andrea Reynolds’ seventh-grade Spanish students at Rocky River Middle School for being featured in World Central Kitchen’s June 2025 Donor Spotlights.
The students partnered with 808 Shave Ice to raise funds for World Central Kitchen’s mission. Since starting the fundraiser three years ago, Rocky River Middle School has raised almost $11,000 to help provide meals in times of crisis.
WESTLAKE
Blood drive: A blood drive will take place from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. July 15 at Westlake Community Services, 28975 Hilliard Blvd.
To schedule an appointment, go to RedCrossBlood.org.
Art festival: The 5th Annual Westlake – Bay Village Rotary Art Festival, takes place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 26 west of the Westlake Porter Public Library, 27333 Center Ridge Road.
Admission is free and parking is available next-door at Westlake Elementary School.
Proceeds from the festival go directly back into the community — funding essential projects like building beds for children, gifts during the holiday season for families, and assistance for people with special needs.
If you’d like to showcase your work at the festival, register online at westlakebayvillagerotaryartfest.com, or reach out to Joe Kraft at josephkraft7@gmail.com.
If you have news/information or a story idea you’d like to share or a ‘shout-out’, please send an email to jshortavon@aol.com. Read Short Takes online at https://www.cleveland.com/topic/westlake. Follow me on X (Twitter) @jshortavon.
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